Sarla Aviation, an innovative aerospace startup focusing on electric aircraft for urban air mobility, has raised $10 million in funding led by Accel. Prominent angel investors participated in the round, including Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, and Swiggy CEO Sriharsha Majety.
The startup, co-founded in 2024 by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan, aims to revolutionize short-haul commutes with sustainable flying taxi solutions. The newly raised capital will be directed toward establishing a research and development (R&D) centre in Bengaluru and advancing the development of its prototype, “Shunya.”
The Shunya aircraft, designed to carry up to 680 kilograms and accommodate six passengers and a pilot, will debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in New Delhi on January 17. Sarla Aviation plans to officially launch its flying taxi services by 2028, aligning with its vision to transform urban air mobility in India.
In a strategic move to facilitate the rollout, Sarla Aviation partnered with Bengaluru International Airport last year to prepare infrastructure for its flying taxi services. This collaboration highlights the company’s commitment to seamless integration with existing transportation ecosystems.
The funding round coincides with Accel’s recent $650 million eighth fund dedicated to early-stage startups in India and Southeast Asia, with a focus on enterprise AI, consumer services, fintech, and manufacturing innovations.
Sarla Aviation joins a growing list of electric aviation startups racing to redefine urban mobility. In November, The ePlane Company raised $14 million for its eVTOL aircraft, targeting intra-city commutes and cargo transport. Meanwhile, InterGlobe Enterprises and Archer Aviation have announced plans to introduce electric air taxi services in India by 2026, intensifying the competition in this burgeoning industry.
With its ambitious timeline and robust investor support, Sarla Aviation is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable air travel in India.
